Australia sues Volkswagen over alleged diesel emissions fraud

CANBERRA, Australia, Sept. 1 (UPI) -- The Australian government's consumer watchdog sued the Australian arm of Volkswagen under allegations the automaker intentionally concealed the level of toxic emissions from its vehicles.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission said the German automaker sold some 57,000 vehicles in the Australia with software that produced low nitrogen oxide emissions when tested, but switched to higher emission levels under normal driving conditions.

The consumer alleged the company, "engaged in misleading or deceptive conduct, made false or misleading representations and engaged in conduct liable to mislead the public in relation to diesel vehicle emission claims."

"These allegations involve extraordinary conduct of a serious and deliberate nature by a global corporation and its Australian subsidiary misleading consumers and the Australian public. We expect higher standards of behaviour from all companies that supply to Australian consumers," commission Chairman Rod Sims said.

In 2015, Volkswagen, the world's second-biggest car maker, said it had designed and installed bypass software to show low emissions levels during testing. The U.S. Justice Department found criminal wrongdoing but has not brought charges against the company.

Volkswagen has set aside some $20 billion for costs related to the scandal. In the United States alone, the company agreed to pay up to $15.3 billion in buybacks and repairs on more than 600,000 vehicles.